Effect of Abdominal Massage on Functional Constipation in Older Adults Living in a Care Center: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NCT07851064 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: DecisionNo.10, January 24,2023
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 86
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Objectives: Although constipation can occur at any age, it is a common and treatable health problem among older adults. This randomized controlled study aimed to investigate the effect of abdominal massage on constipation among older adults receiving care services in a care center. Methods: The study included 86 older adults who met the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for constipation and had no contraindication to abdominal massage. Participants were randomly assigned equally to intervention and control groups using simple randomization. Abdominal massage was administered to the intervention group for 15 minutes per day, five days a week, for four weeks, while no intervention was applied to the control group. Constipation severity and constipation related quality of life were assessed using the Constipation Severity Scale (CSS) and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL). Conclusions: Abdominal massage may be a non-invasive, low-cost, and easily applicable intervention for managing constipation among older adults. Further randomized controlled trials with longer intervention and follow-up periods are warranted.

Conditions

Constipation; Abdominal Massage

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life

  The Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) is a validated questionnaire designed to assess the impact of constipation and its symptoms on patients' quality of life. It evaluates four domains: physical discomfort, psychosocial discomfort, worries and concerns, and satisfaction. Higher scores indicate a greater negative impact of constipation on quality of life.

  At baseline and at the end of the 4-week intervention period

• Constipation Severity Scale

  The Constipation Severity Scale (CSS) is a validated self-report instrument used to assess the severity of constipation symptoms. It evaluates three domains: obstructive defecation, colonic inertia, and pain. Higher scores indicate greater constipation severity. The CSS is commonly used to assess changes in constipation symptoms and treatment outcomes.

  At baseline and at the end of the 4-week intervention period

Study Arms (2)

Control

NO INTERVENTION

Control Group, Participants did not receive abdominal massage or any additional intervention during the study period.

Abdominal Massage

EXPERIMENTAL

Abdominal Massage Group, Participants received abdominal massage for 15 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks

Behavioral: Abdominal Massage

Interventions

Abdominal Massage BEHAVIORAL

Abdominal massage was administered for 15 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 4 consecutive weeks. The intervention was provided to older adults receiving care services and was performed according to a standardized abdominal massage procedure. The control group did not receive abdominal massage or any additional intervention during the study period.

Abdominal Massage

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Age 65 years or older. Presence of functional constipation according to the Rome IV diagnostic criteria.
• Ability to participate in the study and provide informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Dementia or cognitive impairment that prevented participation in the study procedures.
• Presence of a colostomy. Inability to defecate physiologically due to an underlying medical condition. Any contraindication to abdominal massage. Any condition that prevented participation in the abdominal massage intervention.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Private Candan Nursing Home and Elderly Care Center and the Private Candan Disabled Care Center in Aydın

Aydin, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Constipation

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Signs and Symptoms, Digestive; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: MD, PhD in Geriatrics

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: an abdominal massage intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received abdominal massage for 15 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks, while the control group received no abdominal massage or additional intervention during the study period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 18, 2026
• First Posted: October 1, 2026
• Study Start: January 1, 2023
• Primary Completion: April 1, 2024
• Study Completion: May 30, 2024
• Last Updated: October 1, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)